Author’s Note: This post has been updated, but it remains one of the most personal stories I have ever shared here.
Years ago, when my blog was still new, I shared the story of this house. That post has lived quietly in the archives for a long time, tucked away and mostly forgotten. While fixing links recently, I came across it again and felt the urge to revisit the story, not to rewrite history, but to see it through the lens of where life has settled now.
This house was the backdrop for raising a family, learning patience, and building a life that felt steady. It was far from perfect, and even today, I think about the things I wanted to change but never did. Even so, it was a good home. One filled with meaning, memories, and rooms that held more than furniture.
We moved to Sutton Place in the spring of 1993. The house looked very different then. The lot was crowded with trees in both the front and back, there was no real lawn, and curb appeal was not part of the picture. We bought it for the location and the size, and at the time, we believed we could manage it. Not long after getting the keys, buyer’s remorse set in. The list of repairs and updates was longer than expected, and the cost felt overwhelming. Looking at everything at once was too much, so I did the only thing that made sense. I focused on one project at a time.
Progress came slowly. Very slowly. Each improvement required planning, saving, and careful decisions. I enjoy DIY projects, but there were limits. Power tools have never been my strong suit, and over the years we relied on contractors and handymen to help move things forward.
The house was built in 1964 and still had its original windows and siding. The footprint never changed, but the house itself looks nothing like it did when we first moved in. Over time, most of the trees had to be removed. Roots caused serious plumbing problems, cracks appeared in the foundation, and damage spread to the patio, porch floor, and garage. It was necessary work, even if it changed the landscape completely.
Little by little, nearly every part of the house was repaired, replaced, or refreshed. Outdoor projects filled spring and summer months, while indoor projects became winter work. Installing hardwood floors on the first floor was one of the most satisfying changes we made. The living and dining room makeover brought everything together and helped the house finally feel finished in a way it never had before.
One of the simplest changes remains my favorite. Painting the front door navy blue felt like a risk at the time, but it quickly became one of those decisions that just felt right. Years later, I still feel the same way about it. Inside, every room was painted more than once. Neutral wall colors always felt right for this house, and they allowed family pieces and collected favorites to stand out instead of competing for attention.
In the beginning, this house felt unfamiliar, almost temporary. It wasn’t until we began making changes that it slowly started to feel like ours. Over time, it became comfortable and personal in a way that can’t be rushed.
Working from home, after years of leaving each day, changed everything. This house became the foundation for my work and for the life built around it. Focusing my blog on home and everyday living gave me direction during a season that could very well have felt unsteady.
This house required patience and perseverance. It asked for effort and flexibility. It also taught the value of reliable help when it was needed most. More than anything, it held life. Happy moments and hard ones lived side by side here. It was a safe place for family, a place to return to, and a place where daily routines mattered. At the end of the day, this was home.
In 2021, our family took a leap of faith and downsized to a smaller, more manageable home. You can find our journey HERE.
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What a lovely story and I’m so glad you grew to love your home and it helped save you from empty-nest despair.
Hi Ann-
Again one of my most favorite blogs.
I so related to you when you said “you felt like you were visiting some place and wanted to go home”
Pete and I sold our home 5 years ago (due to him loosing his job) – We now live in a condo (beautiful place)
but I felt like I was on vacation somewhere. I have also painted, completed big projects, still one more to complete, hardwood floors – but for some reason it still does not feel like mine.
I think I miss the space of outside the private place. I keep looking at homes, but I keep wondering “why am I leaving here” I guess it is going to take some time and patience – Thank you for your story. It has helped.
Have a wonderful weekend
Rose
Oh Ann… I know that overwhelming feeling when you realise there is way more to do then you originally thought, but look at where you are now. Your home is so lovely… and I think I just found my new colour for our yet unpainted front door. Love that Naval blue!! Pinned and shared for Hearts at Home.
Ann, your home is one of my favorites. It is so pretty and fresh with traditional flair. Love it all!
A beautiful home, Ann. I never tire of looking at all you’ve done. Class and elegance all around.~~Angela
Ann, I don’t comment much. I know! Don’t fuss at me. But anyway I loved your story and love your house. I’m now living in the most precious little house I’ve ever seen. I know how you feel when you love every inch because you touched it in some way or another. It really makes life better. Your such a sweet heart, keep writing.
Oh Sharon I would NEVER fuss at you…thank you so much for taking the time to let me know you stopped by. I hope all is well. Sounds like it is! Enjoy your house and the weekend ~ Ann
Hard work and obviously the love that’s been growing in your home for years shows in the pride you feel! Your home is magnificent! Would love to see a picture of what it looked like when it bought it.
I wish I had a picture of it then…but I have looked and can’t find a single one. I was so busy back then and didn’t even own a camera! Thank you for taking the time to leave a comment! ~Ann
Ann your home is beautiful and I can see the love that you poured into it.I think that is what makes a house a home,when you put love into it, it loves you back <3
xx
Anne
I am living in the same house but with only one garage Ann…. I want to rip off the carpeting on my stairs and make them look like yours! Your home is gorgeous as is your blog. :)
Susan
Just go for it Susan! Believe me if I can do it, anyone can. I had no idea what I was doing on any of my reno projects. I just figured it all out as I went along!
Your home is beautiful and I absolutely love the front door color. I am so confused about what color to paint our front door. I love red, your blue is beautiful (blue is my favorite color) and I love yellow. Our house is currently cream but we plan to have it painted gray in the spring. We are in Georgia and when it rains the red dirt splashes on the house and looks terrible.
Also, We are new to Georgia and what hints would you have to locate a great, honest, reasonably priced and hard working handy man. I love your blog and your taste. Thanks for sharing.
Debbie, I have a friend that painted the front door of her gray house yellow. It is beautiful with the house numbers on the door.
Jackie
I have seen pictures, probably on Pinterest, of gray houses with yellow doors. I love them. Just do a Pinterest search for “yellow front door” and see what comes up. As far as a good handyman, ask around. Co-workers are usually a big help. I found my best painter ever from the girl who cuts my hair. My son lives in Chicago and uses Yelp all the time. You could also try that. Good luck!